Letter from John Druce, 4 September 1855 [LE-11804]

Dear B^r Woodruffe, Haverstraw Sep^tr 4th 1855

Time passes swiftly away and
we have not reached the valley, I have no doubt
you have some times wondered where we have
got to, I some times am led to ask my self the
question.

Since you left the States things have
changed and still continue to change. I have
been foreman of the Engraveing Shop here for
some years, but the continual fluctuations
in trade have kept us from saveing much
money yet we have saved a little, and expect
before long to gather up my family and flock
into the valley of the Mountains. I have continued
to meet with the saints; and have Baptised
about a dozen includeing two of my daughter
we meet twice a week for sacrament and
fellowship meetings, we enjoy a goodly portion
of the spirit of God, and his power is ma-
nifest in various ways. We have received
visits from B^rs Walker Armstrong, J D Ross
^B^r^ Treat, Richard Cook, B^r Robins, Taylor, and
Felt and lastly B^r Edward Perk the bearer
of this note. I have enjoyed myself in the
society of all those who brought with them
the spirit of Truth. I frequently have made
enquiries about you and sister Woodruff
and anticipate the day being not far distant
when I shall behold you again in the flesh

I wonder if sister Woodruff reserved a lot
for us, as we asked her to do next to you
when we anticipated coming the next season
never mind I expect there yet is room in

Utah, and we shall have to be like many more
utntill we can do better. I have counted the
cost and am willing to make every sacrifice
so that I may be counted worthy to receive my
Endowment and all things pertaining to
my family organisation, that I may also
be usefull in building up Zion, and subject
myself to the authority of the Church in
Utah we are all anxious to make a start
B^r Shaw and Wife have been here with us
some time, they have gone to the frontier
and expect to cross over next spring
my B^r Henry and Wife live here from fall
River, and my Wifes Mother has married
the foreman of the Mechanics at this place
he is a good saint and an honourable
man. I baptised him about 3 years agoe
he is about her own age. I do not bother
my head much about politics. I observe the
Mormon creed and mind my own business
I will send you a paper occasionally when I
see any thing that I think will interest
Henry and Wife Join me and mine in Love
to yourself and sister woodruff and believe me
to remain Yours truly in the Everlasting Cov^nt

John Druce, Engraver
Haverstraw New York

John DruceSept 4 1855